She Will Get to the Top of the Ladder

We had two major meetings today with the primary goal of literally providing the entrepreneurs with their loans. Our first session, was at noon for 42 of the women and then at 2:30 with 41. Martine, went through the process of how we collect the repayments biweekly and then they each signed their contracts which was cosigned by their Group Leader. They then received their loan plus a picture ID card. We always put the women in a semi circle, so they know that we are all equals and Fondespwa is the members not an organization. It is a movement. not a company. Decision making is democratic. They are involved in these decisions. The majority does hold sway. Fondespwa is committed to developing independent women leaders. We want to empower women that historically have been diminished by the culture and often by their men. These women must sign a contract, as I said, however, most cannot write. So, it was poignant to see some print their name, so very very slowly as that is all they can print and there is never any other need for them to print. Others, who could not print their name made a cross not an X and a good number were unable even to make a cross so the Group Leader gently placed their hand over the woman's and made a vertical and horizontal motion. I was watching the reaction of the women, when they received their loan, and you saw some laugh and smile, others were somber knowing this is not a gift and that this loan carries a substantial responsibility and some were expressionless. There is zero doubt. they are cognizant of their obligations. What these entrepreneurs need is the opportunity to lift themselves. Fondespwa provides the ladder, they must pull themselves up. They will. One woman, dressed in a floor length shiny white dress with a white head covering, took her loan and walked to the front of the church (we hold our biweekly meeting there as we need a fairly large space). She knelt down, in front of the pulpit, outstretched her hands and for over 4 minutes, gazed to the heavens praying, thanking God for the loan. She then stood up, turned quickly around, looked straight ahead and with a resolute expression, walked right out. Yes! We also hired a Loan Officer for St. Etienne. She is a part time elementary teacher who has had a business in the past selling in the market. She is bright, serious and has a warm, inviting personality. We need someone who is kind but tough. You know, a brick in a velvet glove. These women are far from push overs. The work load of Martine is becoming somewhat overwhelming with the new members plus she has to travel 30 minutes on the colorful, packed taxis called Tap-Taps. We now need someone in that area who knows the women and can conveniently meet with them in a support role. Fondespwa is growing.